YA - It Starts With A Body

YA + murder mystery = fast-paced plots without a bunch of existential fluff. We bit off our fingernails reading these books & series, even if they don't ACTUALLY start with a body.

Updated December 1, 2023
Southeastern Ohio Regional Library Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library
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Family of liars
Lockhart, E.
Paper Book
A good girl's guide to murder
Jackson, Holly
Paper Book
The New York Times No.1 bestselling and multi award-winning YA crime thriller and TikTok sensation that everyone is talking about. Now a major BBC series! 'A taut, compulsively readable, elegantly plotted thriller', GUARDIAN 'Prepare to be murdered by this book. Dark...
Grown : a novel
Jackson, Tiffany D.
Audiobook
An instant New York Times bestseller! "Grown exposes the underbelly of a tough conversation, providing a searing examination of misogynoir, rape culture, and the vulnerability of young black girls. Groundbreaking, heart-wrenching, and essential reading for all in the #MeToo era." --Dhonielle...
One of us is lying
McManus, Karen M.
Paper Book
The international bestselling YA thriller by acclaimed author, Karen M. McManus - NOW A MAJOR NETFLIX SERIES. Book One of the One of Us Is Lying series. Five students go to detention. Only four leave alive. Yale hopeful Bronwyn has never publicly...

I realize I am probably the only person in the whole world who didn't love this book. But since I am the only one, that means YOU WILL!

Truly devious
Johnson, Maureen
Ebook
New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson weaves a delicate tale of murder and mystery in the first book of a striking new series, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and E. Lockhart. Ellingham Academy is a famous private school in Vermont for the brightest thinkers, inventors, and...

I love this series (three in a proper trilogy, then two more standalones) for the level of detail and some great red herrings for each new body.

We were liars
Lockhart, E.
Ebook
THE TIKTOK PHENOMENON AND #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER. ** SOON TO BE A MAJOR TV SERIES ON AMAZON PRIME! ** Don't miss FAMILY OF LIARS (out now) and the forthcoming WE FELL APART (November 2025) - all in the world of WE WERE LIARS! A...

Cadence is one of the cousins in a perfect, wealthy family who is clearly hiding something weird this summer on their annual trip. Check out the equally good but very different prequel, Family of Liars, too.


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